2023 National Day of Prayer
All are welcome to join us today in the church sanctuary to pray for our nation. We will read select passages of God’s Word and pray together for our nation, our government, our military, police and first responders, our educators, our families, our churches, our media, and our businesses and commerce. You can take a turn praying for one of these areas out loud or you can pray along with others silently.
God especially calls us to pray for those in authority over us.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Peter 2:17 – Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Romans 13:1 – Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
MISSION
The National Day of Prayer exists to mobilize unified public prayer for America.
HISTORY
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.
How to Pray for America
from https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/prayforamerica
WHY PRAY FOR AMERICA?
God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware. Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.
He is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!
HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA – BY PRAYING INTO SEVEN CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN OUR NATION
GOVERNMENT
Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity.
(I Kings 3:28; I Timothy 2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3; Romans 13:1-2)
To read more on WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for the government, visit “Praying for Leaders and Elected Officials in Government”
Federal Government
Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices
State Government
Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders
Local Government
Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials
MILITARY
“He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them…and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him. With him only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles…’” (2 Chronicles 32:6-8)
Perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)
Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)
Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)
To read more on WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for the military, visit “Praying For Our Armed Services”
MEDIA
“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
The decision makers within the media to realize they can make a profit by producing uplifting projects (Proverbs 8:10-11)
Christians in media to find favor and be filled with creative ideas that bring kingdom principles and life-giving messages to the public (Proverbs 2:1-15)
To read more on WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for businesses, visit “Praying for Arts, Entertainment and Media“
BUSINESS
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working…” (Exodus 31:3-4)
Impartation of ideas and resources to open principled businesses, especially in areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15)
Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers (Philippians 2:3)
To read more on WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for businesses, visit “Praying for Businesses and the Workplace”
EDUCATION
“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:3-6)
A safe atmosphere conductive to learning
Excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21)
Equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philippians 1:9)
To read more about WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for churches, visit “Praying For the Education of Young People”
CHURCH
“So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8)
The church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matt 22:37)
Unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world (John 17:23)
Integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world (I Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 13:6)
To read more about WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for churches, visit “Praying for the Body of Christ”
FAMILY
“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)
Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others (Romans 12:9-13)
Establish healthy relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6)
To read more about WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for families, visit “Praying for Families In Our Nation”
30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority
Download printable guide HERE.